Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, first hour

Prolonged Evaluation and Management (E/M) services are crucial in healthcare, demanding precise coding to capture the extended nature of patient encounters. CPT code 99358 designates prolonged service in the office or other outpatient setting, requiring direct patient contact beyond the usual service time. This code is applied when healthcare providers engage in prolonged face-to-face time with patients beyond the typical duration of E/M services.

CPT code:

99358

Category:

Category I

Section:

Explore Evaluation and Management CPT Codes

Specialty:

Prolonged Services

Type:

Prolonged Service on Date Other Than the Face-to-Face Evaluation and Management Service Without Direct Patient Contact

99358 holds significance in E/M services, representing prolonged service in the office or other outpatient setting. Healthcare providers utilize this code when engaging in prolonged face-to-face time with patients, extending beyond the usual duration of E/M services. Its application ensures accurate documentation of efforts in providing extended care during patient encounters.

Under what category does Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, first hour fall?

Category I

What is the billing unit for Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, first hour?

Per Encounter

Modifiers

Clinical use

Prolonged evaluation and management service before and/or after direct patient care, first hour.

Documentation

Document the total duration of prolonged evaluation and management service before or after direct patient care, specifying the start and end times, and describe the specific activities or discussions that required the prolonged service, emphasizing medical necessity.